California says being homeless as a child is not a form of neglect or abuse

AB 652 of 2013 adds Section 11165.15 to California Penal Code tying up a loose end under the Mandated Reporter requirements. Typically, school employees and other mandated reports must report neglect and abuse; however, when these reports are made to law enforcement action must be taken with the child. Children have been known to runaway from their homes and refuse State services for fear that they may be sent back home where additional abuse may ensue. This bill states that simply being homeless is not a form of neglect or abuse in and of itself. This removes the barrier of fear children face and this bill seeks to help children find the services they need without fear of being sent back home to endure additional abuse.